Mama Joy prays for new minister to keep her ‘super-fan’ dreams alive

While Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, maintains a firm stance against using public funds to sponsor so-called “super fans”, well-known supporter Joyce “Mama Joy” Chauke has expressed hope that a future minister might support her dream of attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Chauke took to the social media platform X over the weekend, saying she is “praying for a new minister” who would be willing to fund her trip to the upcoming tournament, sparking renewed debate about whether government should financially support prominent sports supporters.

Thanks ⁦@FIFAcom⁩ President ⁦@GianniInfantino⁩ ⁦@BafanaBafana⁩ has qualified ,I would like to be there Am asking any help from any one to help me attend World Cup 2026 ⁦@GaytonMcK⁩ won’t pay for fans especially Mamajoy ⁦@SportArtsCultur⁩ pic.twitter.com/YipTXhxwew

— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) April 5, 2026

The highly anticipated spectacle will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July – the first time it will be staged across three countries.

McKenzie has hit back, saying being a super-fan got her a French husband, and he must foot her bills.

He says Chauke has benefited personally from her status as a super fan and should not rely on the state to fund her travels.

Why should I lie using diplomatic language. Our policy is not under review, should I mislead people by soothing them. We are not going to pay for super fans as a department. It’s unfair because SA is full of super fans. https://t.co/HVWeMwaeEY

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) April 5, 2026

Meanwhile, Chauke says she feels targeted by the minister, describing his remarks as a personal attack despite her long-standing support for South African teams.

Speaking exclusively to YNews, Chauke says the minister’s response to her post about not having funds to attend the World Cup was unfair.

“I know how important my contribution is, for example at the Rugby World Cup semi finals, people were pushing and shoving trying to make a way to come take a picture with me. I represent South Africa when I’m on the stands or the gates, it’s not like I’m representing myself or I want to go outside and eat money, for me it was representing my country.”

Chauke maintains she has built her brand over more than 30 years and says her presence at international events is about representing South Africa.

She adds that in 2019, when she travelled with Banyana Banyana to the Women’s World Cup in France, her trip was funded by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Despite the dispute, Chauke says she remains fully behind Bafana Bafana, whether she is present at the stadium or watching on TV.

To all SA fans let’s just accept no Worldcup for us @GaytonMcK⁩ ⁦@MinisterMcK⁩ ,,, ⁦@SportArtsCultur ,, won’t be able to help us ,,you are at your own ,,, let’s just pray for the President to give us a new Minister of sport that can love fans , pic.twitter.com/9dzdfz9hKB

— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) April 5, 2026

South Africans seem to be divided over the matter, with some slamming Mama Joy for what they describe as entitlement, while others say she deserves the support, citing her years of passionately promoting South African sport at stadiums around the world.

What’s the criteria for super fan? Cause I believe I’m a super fan as much as any South African is when it comes to the national team.

There’s bigger issues in the sports arts and culture department that @GaytonMcK should be dealing with, like royalties and benefits for film.

— Sabelo Sibanyoni (@S4_Sibanyoni) April 5, 2026

Sad news for South Africans!! 🥲💔

Number one fan Mama Joy has revealed she won’t be at the World Cup due to a lack of support from the Sports Ministry.

A huge miss for Bafana Bafana.

Her energy and presence always lift the team. 🇿🇦

Hopefully, the government can step in and… pic.twitter.com/aZHZVqqI5j

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) April 5, 2026

Aowa, Leadership.

This can’t be an acceptable response for a person occupying the High Office of the Minister. Disagree and take issue with the tone and thrust of the complaint against you if you want, but do so with dignity, out of respect for the Office you hold. https://t.co/JkAGTLIOeN

— Sabelo Chalufu 🇿🇦 (@SabeloChalufu) April 5, 2026